PATASKALA - Rhianna Weall and Abi Pack have been fixtures in the middle of the Licking Heights softball team's lineup throughout their career, but the seniors have seen a lot change around them.

The Hornets are nearing the end of a transition season, and production from Weall and Pack has been among the bright spots. The Hornets have six seniors, but only Weall, the catcher, and Pack, who is at shortstop this season after previously playing third base, have previously been primary players.

"I think it's been a really big change going from being the underdogs (on the team) to being top dog now," Pack said. "You are definitely looked at by the younger girls as a big influence. That's what's really driven me to have a good season."

Pack entered the past week hitting over .600 and had two more hits in a 5-1 loss to Granville on April 30. Pack leads the Hornets in runs scored and RBI, and Weall's four home runs also lead the team and are among the Licking County League leaders.

"One thing we have talked a lot about this season is being a team," coach Jessica Robertson said. "It's not about any one person. If Abi hits a home run and that's the only run we score, the team still loses the game. While absolutely we love having them in the lineup, we try to focus on that team, everyone playing their role each game and knowing what's expected for them that game."

The rain has affected Heights' rhythm as it has every team. The Hornets have had games rescheduled or cancelled 10 times, and it has created a scheduling crunch as they faced all of the heavy hitters down the stretch, also losing recently to Lakewood and twice to Buckeye Division leader Watkins Memorial during the final week of the regular season.

The Hornets are making the best of it. Robertson has received a helping hand this spring from retired baseball coach Jeff Boyer.

"The weather has definitely not been on our side. We have only had a couple outdoor practices. If it's nice enough to be outside, we're playing," said Robertson, whose team also has received an offensive spark from Emily Meidl and recently Tavian Leonard.

"That continuity has been hard to find this season, but at the same time, I feel like we have just embraced it," Robertson added. "When we are inside, we are giving it everything we have for that day."

Heights' biggest challenge has been in the pitching circle where Maryssa Scott and Bailey Sowers have shared the load. Scott, who had the limited varsity experience entering the season, has pitched the bulk of the innings.

It has provided more work for Weall to act as the middle man between Robertson on the bench and the pitchers on the rubber.

"I have had a lot of experience calling pitches, so it's more me thinking with them so that they trust me," Weall said. "It's different getting to know them because I always mix up their signs, but they are coming together. It's a lot different because neither one of them has had a lot of varsity experience. Having Maryssa out and Bailey having to go in there and starting, that's a big step for her, and she's done a great job with it."

The Hornets host Mifflin to open Division I tournament play, and a win would send the Hornets to Lancaster for the second round. The Hornets nearly upset the Golden Gales a year ago, but they have hit more than 50 home runs this season, breaking the state record.

With time running out, the Heights seniors have a chance to leave a lasting impression.

"I want to leave a mark on the program," Weall said. "As we said earlier, the younger girls do look up to us, and that's all we can ask for. We hope we leave more behind than just, 'Hey we used to hit fourth.' I want to have a bigger impact than that."